Do you remember several months ago I talked about the ongoing beef between online mega conglomerate Amazon and publishing company Hachette over e-book cost and distribution? There’s been some who are urging peace. But in a later move I just found out about, it doesn’t look like peace is coming anytime soon.
Every year around this time, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos hosts a retreat in New Mexico for authors to attend. Writers from every walk of life come because hey, when the owner of the company that sells nearly half of all books around the world calls, you should take heed. Besides, authors really enjoy these retreats; of course they’re asked to take a vow of silence about retreat activities. This year it’s going to be a little different. Apparently, some authors with ties to Hachette haven’t been invited this year. Others have opted not to come in order to show solidarity with Hachette. One of those writers is world renown best selling author James Patterson, who stated even if invited back this year, he wouldn’t attend. Months ago, Patterson openly criticized Bezos for his dealings with Hatchette, even claiming Amazon needs to be stopped by any means necessary. Even science fiction writer Hugh Howey, who defended Amazon, isn’t coming. They’re several others that are off the list, either by choice or by force, but they’re not talking.
From what I’ve read, these retreats are nice: the peace, the food, the parties, the pool, the connections being made. But I’m wondering if these writers are being told, “I control many of the books you sell. I can practically make or break you. You better yield to me or else.” E-books are selling at a far faster clip than paperbacks are, and Amazon by far controls that market. Is that the real reason so many want to go to this retreat? Is that the reason so few are willing to speak out against it?